Beijing to Ban Drone Possession and Flight to Enhance Security

Beijing, China's capital, will ban the possession of drones throughout the city starting November 15 under a new order. This measure further tightens existing regulations that previously prohibited the sale of these devices, according to Channel News Asia (CNA). The order, announced on September 13 and scheduled to take effect on November 15, prohibits the possession or storage of unmanned aerial vehicles, known as drones, and their flight within the capital's airspace. The transportation of drones or their components will also be forbidden. This additional tightening of restrictions comes amid growing concerns about air security in Beijing, a city of approximately 22 million people. In June, a small aircraft crashed into the city's tallest building, resulting in the death of one pilot and injuries to 13 others. Under the new regulations, all drone owners must either destroy their drones or remove them from Beijing by November 15, or face confiscation and fines. Authorities will offer subsidies to drone owners who voluntarily destroy their devices or sell them back to their place of purchase. Additionally, free transportation services will be provided to mail these devices out of the city. While drone flights in Beijing already require official permission, the new law may grant exceptions only for a limited number of essential purposes, such as counter-terrorism, agriculture, disaster relief, and research. Source: Koh Santep Khmer